Pleural Spaces and Reflections: Imaging Anatomy for Radiologists

Understanding pleural reflections and recesses on imaging is key to localising thoracic disease. This lecture covers visceral and parietal pleura, pleural recesses, and their appearance on CT/X-ray, with practical clinical correlation.

• The parietal pleura has separate named parts (costal, mediastinal, diaphragmatic, cervical) that define pleural reflections and recesses visible on imaging.
• The costodiaphragmatic and costomediastinal recesses are the most clinically significant pleural spaces for detecting effusions.
• Understanding how the pleura interfaces with the lungs and mediastinum aids in differentiating pleural from parenchymal disease.

Automated summary

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